Boarding Axe?

CutlassCollector · 29th January 2025, 02:16 PM

Nice old axe.
There is not much to add to Mark's comments. It is very hard to tell if it is not a known government issue.
The size and weight fit well to a boarding axe.

Boarding axes and fire axes are closely related. Both the British and French fire hatchets - when firefighters all had their personal small axes - are direct descendants of their naval counterparts, but are generally smaller and machine made. They are sometimes mistakenly sold as boarding axes.

Unfortunately the markings are not clear enough to give us a better hint.

mgolab · 29th January 2025, 03:39 PM

Thank you for the feedback, CC

Yes, the axe is hand forged and not machine made.

I am curious about the marking by the eye, "I H" or "H"?

mgolab · 30th January 2025, 07:42 PM

not sure if I found something relevant in terms of a marking or just pitting? Interesting that it is close to the faded marking

30th January 2025, 07:42 PM	#3
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 66	not sure if I found something relevant in terms of a marking or just pitting? Interesting that it is close to the faded marking Attached Images

29th January 2025, 02:16 PM	#1
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 357	Nice old axe. There is not much to add to Mark's comments. It is very hard to tell if it is not a known government issue. The size and weight fit well to a boarding axe. Boarding axes and fire axes are closely related. Both the British and French fire hatchets - when firefighters all had their personal small axes - are direct descendants of their naval counterparts, but are generally smaller and machine made. They are sometimes mistakenly sold as boarding axes. Unfortunately the markings are not clear enough to give us a better hint.

29th January 2025, 03:39 PM	#2
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 66	Thank you for the feedback, CC Yes, the axe is hand forged and not machine made. I am curious about the marking by the eye, "I H" or "H"?